Don’t you think most people dress so casual these days when out in restaurants

[LisaVanderpumpy]

looking around me everyone’s wearing jumpers on a Sat night

when I was young on Sat nights most women would be in dresses
in restaurants

perhos it’s because restaurants are colder these days
perhaps people dress more casual just generally now

I’m not one to talk really as I’m also in jeans n jumper as I don’t like being cold plus I’m only with husband and kids

What are the men wearing?

We went through COVID and it changed things I think.

Well, you’re dressed casually. So what’s the reasons you are? Others are likely to be the same.

Thank goodness for that! I don't want to sit in a dress to eat a meal. Who am I dressing up for if I don't want to do it for myself? Who in society benefits from seeing me in a dress?

Young people probably are dressed up- somewhere else 🤣

I would say we have become more casual from being more individual and accepting of comfort etc

I think everyone is dressed so bland and from my observation British dress far worse than other European nationals seen on holiday .
can anyone tell me what the fashion trend is for 2026? I had this conversation recently whilst people watching in a cafe. Men jogging bottoms, sweatshirt with sleeveless gillet over the top and baseball cap. Woman also joggers or leggings non descript clothing. And I’m just as bad!

Reasons I dress badly. Moved into leggings when running round after the children and never able
to give up the comfort of stretchy clothes. Now over weight and saggy I dread dressing up. Nothing fits. Nothing looks good plus feet issues I can only wear trainers. I’m worn down by life and the stresses I’m under. As long as I am comfortable, dressed for the weather, the clothes fit and are clean that’s the best I can hope for. I expect I’m not alone in that. But I still maintain the Brits are worse dressed than the Germans Dutch and French.

Maybe after wearing formal clothes to work they like to wear something casual in their downtime.

You’re so right, Brits are just the worst at everything.Ugly, fat, unhealthy thick and badly dressed. We should copy those full of class French and Germans immediately. Get me to any kenipe in the Black Forest so I can witness some sophistication.

I dress for comfort, and for myself. If anyone feels like looking at my attire, that’s on them. I’m not looking at theirs.

Yes and I love it so much! I love getting dressed up but I also love that we can now go out in warm, comfy clothes and not feel out of place. I noticed a change with my eldest’s generation (26 now) and I think it’s great.

I agree. You used to dress up to go out for a meal.

But, restaurants used to have the heating on.

I agree everyone is more causal now but some people are far too casual and look a state.

I like to dress up but usually have flat shoes/boots or trainers.

Comfort is the name of the game these days. I remember my 20s and 30s and suffering for fashion. Sigh. In the U.K. though we have to layer clothes and who knows what the weather will be like, usually shite.

There is something in most public venues being kept at lower temperatures than they used to be.

Slight tangent, but years ago, I'd change to a t-shirt and shorts for the DCs' swimming lessons; now I'm in regular clothes and can keep my coat on in the changing rooms. It just isn't heated like a sauna any more.

I find it hard dressing for something like a bar meal now. 20 years ago, it would have been "jeans and a nice top" but now it's hard not to be overly casual, but something different to the smart casual I wear for work. Dress codes at work are less rigidly formal than they were and more varied.

I'm an elder lemon now, and like many others notice that the trend of dressing up to go out is long gone. It's reserved for weddings and special occasions like roundy birthdays or such.

Going out now to me means good tailored trousers, ankle boots and a decent top. Summer is lighter trousers and top, flats or sandals but not crocs ha ha.

Anything goes now, but I still think gym like clothing should be confined to the gym (for a restaurant). But that's just me, and if the dress code is free for all, then so be it.

Yes and it's so much better

I went to the ivy here in Bath for my 30th wedding anniversary last night, I wore my favourite Bravissimo dress( RIP bravissimo clothes) and boots and the women either side of me both had dresses on - not flimsy cocktail type/xmas do ones though - kind of more sensible ones with sleeves!! The guys all had shirts too ( but with jeans)

There’s a thing called Smart Casual, which is fine for just about anywhere. Some of us don’t do dresses anyway. I don’t.

I think its partly because for many, going to a restaurant was a rare treat, something to plan in advance. Now it's just another meal where you don't cook. Its less special therefore needs less special clothing.

Depends where you go. I went to a v “naice” Michelin star restaurant for lunch a few weeks back, everyone was very casual, jeans, trainers, joggers. Went to The Ivy in a different city for lunch this week and the women were FAR more dressed up. Heels, dresses, blazers, clutch bags.

We went out for Valentine’s Day dinner, mid range restaurant I’d say, and there were men in tracksuits. Honestly grown adults walking around in tracksuits when not exercising during the day is bad enough, I’d outlaw it if I could. They look like giant toddlers!

Yes it's great isn't it

Remember back in the early 80s you’d go to a club looking you were going to work 🤣 the fellas in suits and ties and definitely no white socks or trainers ! Used to wear heels and dresses.

These days I’m sewn into my pjs.

I often “overdress” and have had comments. I love jeans a jumper but I also really love skirts and dresses and tights and boots. Today I’m wearing a grey knit pleated skirt with black polo neck and black tights (cold in north east Scotland)! I have had comments about “where are you off to” as if I don’t fit anymore. It’s making me quite self conscious however I would defend anyone’s right to wear what they like. It’s good that there is more choice and less pressure to dress up now.